Pedestrian Streets for Holiday Shopping - Open Streets: West Walnut Returns December 6
Center City’s newest holiday tradition brings car-free streets, festive shopping and outdoor fun for one final Sunday of the year
Contact
Giavana Suraci Pruiti, 215.440.5500, gpruiti@centercityphila.org, pr@centercityphila.org
PHILADELPHIA (November 5, 2026) — Center City District (CCD) today announced details for the final Open Streets: West Walnut of the year, returning one last time in 2026 with a special holiday edition on Sunday, December 6.
Since its September 2024 debut, Open Streets: West Walnut has become a Center City weekend ritual, drawing an average of more than 11,000 guests each week. On December 6, car-free streets, festive activities, and community connections will create a distinctive holiday shopping experience in the heart of Philadelphia. Nearby seasonal favorites, including the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin at Dilworth Park, Christmas Village, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular and “The Nutcracker” at the Academy of Music, make it easy to pair holiday shopping with the city’s festive traditions, all within walking distance.
The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Walnut Street from Broad to 19th and along 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust. Sansom, 15th, 16th and 17th streets will remain open to vehicular traffic.
Throughout the morning, artists from Ice Sculpture Philly will entertain passersby as they create a one-of-a-kind installation at the intersection of 18th and Walnut. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can watch as a baby grand piano is carved entirely of ice. In the afternoon, spectators can enjoy a live performance.
Additional ambient entertainment includes strolling bubble magic, holiday carolers, festive mini golf, and a visit from Santa Claus. In the Fulton Fun Zone, visitors of all ages can settle in and relax during a holiday movie marathon. The full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.
“Center City is the only place in the region you can find local boutiques and national brands all within a short walk of award-winning restaurants and classic holiday traditions,” said CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta. “We can’t wait to welcome families and friends from across the Philadelphia area to shop for gifts along Walnut Street during our final Open Streets of the year ”
Some businesses plan to expand outside and onto the sidewalk, and many will offer special discounts and promotions. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of restaurants located along the route. There will be no supplemental vendors on the street, as visitors are encouraged to support the businesses located on the closed streets and surrounding areas.
Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by Center City District and is presented by Fulton Bank with support from the City of Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Row. This event is weather permitting and subject to change. Select performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77.
To find the full list of participating businesses, frequently asked questions and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.
###
Center City District, partner to property owners and downtown stakeholders, is the steward and advocate for a clean, safe and thriving Center City Philadelphia. Find us at www.centercityphila.org.